If you’re like me, then Thanksgiving is the holiday you spend with all of your immediate family, including grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. Getting along with all of them isn’t always so simple. However, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for the family we love, even if they tend to ruffle your feathers a bit.
Whatever you do, do not discuss the three big NO’s (money, politics, and religion) because, from my past observances, those conversations don’t end well. Even if you love debate, these discussions are best left for another time. Instead, try to focus on how great it is to be around those you care about most and how you’re thankful to have them in your life. It may sound cliché, but it’s important.
Families are often interested in hearing about your life and how everything is going, but constantly answering all their questions can be tiring and even annoying. If you think up a list of prepared responses ahead of time for questions like, “How are college classes going?” or “What have you been up to lately?” then you’ll be ready for all the family members who will be wanting information about your life, and you won’t feel put on the spot to find something interesting to say.
There are times when relatives make you feel like you’re about to explode. If you feel yourself starting to get overwhelmed or stressed out by your family, step outside or into a room upstairs away from it all and just take a break. Reading, listening to music or just relaxing in bed are all great ways to destress during this holiday season.
Finding activities you all enjoy is a great way to have a special time with your loved ones and not have to worry about arguments or stress. Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade on TV, playing board games or even helping your mom cook the turkey and green bean casserole for dinner are ways to make this Thanksgiving memorable while spending time with those around you.
Finally, just remember what Thanksgiving is truly about. Even though everyone gets excited about the delicious food and eating till you literally can’t hold any more in your stomach, that really isn’t the main focus. Neither is Black Friday, even if all the sales now start at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. As Danielle Duckery says, “Thanksgiving is a time to give, a time to love, and a time to reflect on the things that matter most in life.”